Sprinkler Head

Abstract

A sprinkler device is provided comprising a central body, a deflector assembly and at least one vane, directly or indirectly connected to the deflector assembly. The central body incorporates a nozzle in communication with a water inlet which is directed towards the deflector assembly. The deflector assembly is loosely coupled to the body and located in use, on a path of the jet projecting from the nozzle to deflect the jet as a series of droplets. The deflector assembly also has one or more substantially radially extending spray grooves which are acted on by the jet to rotate and roll the deflector assembly causing the jet to be broken into droplets. The deflector assembly is also provided with one or more vanes connected to and extending in a direction having a radial component relative to the deflector assembly, whereby the one or more vanes interact with surrounding air when the deflector assembly rotates to slow rotation and fan the air outwardly to help propel the droplets.

Description

[0001]The present invention relates to irrigation sprinklers and in particular, the invention provides a sprinkler head of the wobbling spray cone type which employs modifications to the spray cone to modify rotation of the spray cone and or trajectory of water dispersed by the sprinkler head.BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION[0002]Off centre rotary action sprinklers have been widely used in the irrigation industry for over twenty years and are generally referred to as ‘Wobblers’ because of the shaking motion that they create when rotating during operation.[0003]This wobbling motion is not desirable but is acceptable in the general use of the wobbler sprinklers because they are normally secured to a large pipe network of centre pivot or linear move travelling irrigators, which substantially dampens the vibration created by the off-centre rolling action.[0004]An advantage derived from the existence of off balance rotational forces is that they slow the rotational speed of the spray cone all...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]Preferably also, the deflector assembly is provided with at least two substantially radially extending spray grooves, providing different water paths and resultant exit trajectories from the spray head. In preferred embodiments multiple exit trajectories provide optimum water distribution diameter during various situations and wind conditions. Preferably one water path will have a low angle of trajectory for wind penetration, while the other is suited for greater throw.

Problems solved by technology

Sprinklers fitted to bases without adequate stability are subject to vibrations that fracture the water jet exiting the nozzle before it reaches the spray cone groove causing excessive water to be applied to the inner radius of the spray pattern directly around the sprinkler and significantly reduces the wetted area.

These characteristics have limited the wider use of this type of sprinkler in other applications, such as the domestic and nursery industry, because a suitable base or stand rarely has sufficient mass or stability to dampen the vibration caused by the offset rotary action of the wobbling spray cone.

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